Ole Gunnar Solskjær
Manchester United target interim coach for rest of season
Following the official confirmation of the departure of manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Board of Manchester United has ruled out a permanent replacement for the Norwegian, as it looks to name an interim coach for the remainder of the season instead.
Solskjær’s fate was sealed at an emergency board meeting on Saturday night after the team’s 4-1 defeat at Watford. He gave an emotional interview to the club on Sunday in which he said: “I’m going to leave by the front door, because I think everyone knows I’ve given everything for this club.”
United’s statement announcing his exit said: “Ole will always be a legend at Manchester United and it is with regret that we have reached this difficult decision. While the past few weeks have been disappointing, they should not obscure all the work he has done over the past three years to rebuild the foundations for long-term success.
“Ole leaves with our sincerest thanks for his tireless efforts as manager and our very best wishes for the future. His place in the club’s history will always be secure, not just for his story as a player, but as a great man and a manager who gave us many great moments. He will forever be welcome back at Old Trafford as part of the Manchester United family.
“Michael Carrick will now take charge of the team for forthcoming games, while the club looks to appoint an interim manager to the end of the season.”
“This club means everything to me and together we’re a good match, but unfortunately I couldn’t get the results we needed and it’s time for me to step aside,” Solskjær said at a press conference, after his sack was confirmed.
United’s minimum target is to qualify for the Champions League. The team is well off the title pace despite the summer signings of Jadon Sancho, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphaël Varane, who has barely played since early October because of injury, and are six points from fourth place.
“I’ve been backed,” Solskjær said, adding: “The board and the owners have backed me in [terms of] bringing good people in, good players in and I think, or I know I leave this club with a better squad. The environment is fantastic, it’s an environment I’m proud of leaving.”
Solskjær took over in December 2018, initially on a caretaker basis, and last season the team finished second in the league and as runners-up in the Europa League.
United’s board spent time discussing Solskjær’s future after the defeat by Liverpool and stood by him after shows of support from Sir Alex Ferguson and the directors Ed Woodward and Richard Arnold.
The first-team coach, Michael Carrick, and the club’s technical director, Darren Fletcher – both successful former United players – are understood to be ready to take interim charge when Solskjær’s departure is confirmed.
